Hello everyone.

On Bill's thread, he introduced the purpose and theme of this forum. I have volunteered to moderate this forum, so go easy on me.

Basically, I'd like this forum to be a place to discuss religions and faiths that are not of the 'Big Three'. A non-exclusive list of religions I would specifically like to discuss (in no particular order) are:

Buddism
Hinduism
Wicca
First Nation's faiths (Haida, Cree, Cheyenne, ect.)
Native African faiths

I'll admit right off the bat that I am hardly an expert on any of these faiths. I'm hoping that there are others here who are, and who can take advantage of this forum to educate our members.

I'd expect that many of the threads will include challenges to these faiths, but hopefully they will be kept within the bounds of reasonable debate and exploration.

This is not the forum for arguing the existance of God/YHWY/Allah. I'll ask that posters respect this. If you believe Abraham worshiped your deity, please post arguments for his existance in the 'Existance of God(s)' forum.

I would like to welcome everyone to this new forum as well.

It is my fondest hope that this forum will be used more for conversation and discussion than for ridicule and preaching.

However, I will not be moderating the Underworld out of it, as I firmly believe in free speech. If it gets out of hand, then we will see.

I feel that this board was made in order to discuss all the religions and philosophies (many are both) which are not directly related to Yahweh/Allah/Jesus. In that light, relgions that share some elements (such as B'hai) would belong here, while religons which are almost indistinguishable from the main one (like Mormonism) would have better places on other boards.


My only knowlege of these philosophies has come through books, the internet, obscenely liberal parents, official courses (college and otherwise), study and discussion with 'holy people', a background heavy in anthropology and psychology and myth study, discussions with real people and attending as many religious events as possible... almost .

I consider myself mostly knowlegeable about the global revivalist neo-pagan movement, as I am a member of that religion. However, any comments I make about any religion are open to debate and correction.

Let the games begin!

Why didn't you say Taoism?

DC

Hey DC:

Probably for the same reason he didn't say Jainism--- he said it was not an all-inclusive list...

Which is why gave guidelines instead of trying to post a complete list--- we could never do it.

However, this gives me the chance to query if Voodoo and Santeria count as non-abrahmic. I say yes. They can be discussed here.

You bet Taoists are invited !

Hmmm...

This is new to me, I'll look forward to learning a lot!

We can't find out about the 'minor' religious beliefs as easily as we can the 'big three' so I hope to learn a great deal from reading this forum.

Chas

I am so happy... thanks Bill. Mad and Jess, thank-you for volunteering your time for the pursuit of knowledge. I admire you both and hope to have fruitful discussions with you both…

Jzen

ohwilleke

Ditto that sentiment.